The National tribune., 1887-05-26

side Of the entrance was another island, st.
Philips. upon which was another sand fort
Fort Beanregard-of about one-half the arma-
ment Of Fort Walker; and vessels passing up
this bay or entrance were within easy range Of
the guns on either side.
Early on the morning Of the 7th-A lovely
dsy-the line-of-battle ships began manuver-
ing 70 get into line, the flagship Wabash tax
ing the lead. The transports remained at their
anchorage at a safe distance from the shore
batteries, vet within good view of all that was
Transporting allording US the opportunity Of
witnessing one Of the grandest naval engage
meats Of the war. This day had another his
toric signidcance-it was payday, our first
call TO sign the payroll and i we'll remember
that. although hadn't had a cent in my pocket
for more than two months, il was with great
reluctance that 1 spared the time TO 60 below
for my
SIXTEEN DOLLARS AND A HALF.
When came on deck the frigates were head
ing mp the entrance in single file, little TO the
right, nearest Fort Beauregard. ltwas notIong
until they began TO come within range of the
fort, which ] think fired first, and soon our
ships sent full broadsides in reply rs they
passed out of range. After proceeding a
short distance the flagship eircled 10 the left,
all the Others following, and bore down upon
Fort Walker repeating the broadside FIRE; but
the heavy guns of this battery told feariully on
our sailors. Our wooden vessels were shot
through and through, rigging and masts shot
away. and as we watched the fight from where
we lay, we felt as though they were doomed 10
destruction. Soon, however, would be seen a
ship emerging from the cloud of smoke. which
nor almost entirely Obstructed our view; an
other and still another, until the whole nine
had swung around still aioat, and with Yam
kee persistency again passing in review of Fort
Beauregard Thus ragged the battle around
and around in an clliptica course for fully three
hours, when Fort Beauregard
HoIsTED THE WHITE FLAG.
The attention Of the feet was now directed
wholly to Fort Walker, which offered stub
born resistance until 3 o'clock in the afternoon,
when this too hauled down its colors. and the
garrison. like the Arabs, silently stole away =;
but, unlike them, they didn't fold their
tents, for the simple reason, If no other, that
they were not worth folding, as this sketch
further on VIII show. A small boat immedi-
ately put of and took formal possession of the
works. During the hottest Of the engagement
litle, low, hat gunb0at Of ours managed TO get
close up To the shore near Fort Walker, where
the guns could not be depressed to bear on her,
aud it was amusing 10 watch her hosting shells
into the enemFs camp.
Immediately upon the cessation Of the firing
our transports weighed anchor and went as close
40 AAE NNNtE OF AAmt5A AAcau "a. tilttN Gtuttis
when we were transferred to small bOals and
pulled for the shore. These small boats" drew
nearly four feet Of water and there being no
docks of any description at this point, and a
long, sl0piIg sandy beach on which 70 land, we
We're obliged 10 jump oHi when the boat ground
cd and wade ashore, aud If ever m0Ttsls were
GLAD t0 set foot upon land, wet or dry, we We're.
No wonder that We ran splashing and founder
ing. after our n days on the sea.
As each boatl0ad landed panies and regi-
HluHts were formed ia line, dripping wet, and
shoes filled with sand, and marched up past
and beyond the fori to rec0nn0iter the island,
hut tAe enemy had gone. having eft their dead
aud some wounded behind. They male aheir
escape by way % Seabro5k Landing situated at
The west or rear OF the Island.
Font Walker was a sight 70 look at Several
% the siege guns had been disabled, and / no.
teed one huge l99-pcundeF that bad been
KNOCKED G<EAS orr IT'S CARRIAGE,
aud was sitting down Ia the sand like some
grim old watchdog waiting for its master.
Nanerous pools Of blood iu and about the fort
gave evidence Of slaughter, while the tents,
supplies and camp eqGipagc OF the enemy were
torn in shrcds or scattered i'm every direction,
and the Geld back Of the fort was torn up and
pIowed in farFoWs by our shot 0Hd shells We
laid Gus our camp a'spat n mile back from the
fOlt. surrounded by patches ui sugar-cane sweet
potatoes and peanuts. and began the ordinary
routine OF camp life for q short time.